Director's Corner - July 5, 2024
Friday, July 5, 2024
Home
… Moats and boats and waterfalls
Alleyways and pay phone calls
I've been everywhere (hey) with you
… That's true, laugh until we think we'll die
Barefoot on a summer night
Never could be sweeter than with you (hey)
… And in the streets you run a-free
Like it's only you and me
Geez, you're something to see
… Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
What a gorgeous day it's been here at Beber Camp, marking a fantastic final Friday of the session. Gathering together at the flagpole this morning was a heartwarming sight, and the dining hall buzzed with its familiar energy. As we approach the campers' departure next week, I already know I'll miss them dearly.
This morning's cabin activities were a blast. O5 embarked on a ropes adventure with Thom, tackling various challenges with creativity and teamwork. It's wonderful to see our area directors tailor these activities to their expertise. Meanwhile, G3 enjoyed paddling on our giant paddle board, big enough to hold a whole cabin. K2 and K3 mastered their skills at bracelet making and beading in arts and crafts choice and K5 and O2 tapped into their creative side with Maddie’s Music and Ciara's Theatrical Experience. Our cabin activity program has truly bonded our bunks through incredible shared experiences, showcasing the breadth of what Beber has to offer.
Today also marked the start of our final round of hobbies, and it's been a delight seeing campers explore new interests. With Flappy Man (in Yellow for our Maccabiah winners) waving in the wind, campers gathered at the Hobby Wheel ready to dive into their final week of hobbies. I'm particularly excited for next week's performances by our rock bands, dance hobbies, movie making and the display of art projects at Beber Fine Arts Fest. It'll be a proud moment for them to showcase their accomplishments. The waterfront was bustling as usual, with campers diving into a range of exciting programs from windsurfing to fishing. A little bursts of rain late this afternoon did not deter the enthusiasm that our staff and campers have for the hobby program and with some minor adjustments to some locations, it was business as usual here at Beber. I was even lucky enough to drive a ski boat during the 3rd hobby period and I’m happy to report that all my campers were able to get up on 2 skis! It’s a thrill to see campers learn something new and have a blast at the same time!
This week, we welcomed back Melissa Epstein, a former arts and crafts director as an Artist in Residence. She brings her passion and expertise to arts and crafts hobbies leading campers in a special resin activity. We often have former staff who are specialists in their fields come and work with our campers in our hobby program and teach special projects. It's heartening to see former camp leaders return to contribute to our community once more.
Meals today were a treat, from egg and hash browns for breakfast to pizza and Caesar salad for lunch. Dinner brought us our traditional Shabbat feast with roasted chicken and homemade challah that was simply divine.
Tonight, we celebrated our final Friday night of the first session with a beautiful Shabbat gathering. Seeing our campers come together in their Shabbat attire for photos, despite some late rain that moved us into Crown Hall, was touching. Our Jewish Life team recited the prayer for the children, and campers placed a hand on the head of another member in their bunk while standing in a circle. What an incredible sight! The bonds forged over the past weeks were palpable during our Shabbat Schmooze, where expressions of gratitude flowed freely among bunks.
With the CIT’s returning from Colorado, we are finally all back together and ready to share the last week in our special place. Their experience in Colorado was so rewarding and as I continue to speak with them, I am so proud of the work that they did with the campers at Rocky Mountain Village Camp. They just glow with excitement as they tell me about the campers in their care and it makes me excited to see them as future counselors here at Beber.
During services, our 4 storytellers, Ruchel’s children, shared a meaningful story about "Leadership," our theme for this Shabbat, encapsulating the role we all share as we lead by example in our daily lives at Beber. Despite a bit of rain, we moved our services indoors to Crown Hall. The community-based service, where campers are active participants and leaders, created a welcoming environment for everyone. Israeli Dance was a go and even included the two dances that the campers learned on Israel Day. We danced the night away until we moved into song sessions. The spirited song sessions filled the air, and the energy was infectious as campers sang beloved songs like Hinei MaTov and the Beber Boogie with full hearts.
As the night drew to a close, I reflected once again on the unique and inclusive community we've built here—a place where everyone is celebrated for who they are. It's moments like these that make Beber Camp truly special.
Wishing everyone a restful night and a meaningful Shabbat alongside us.
P.S. Congratulations to those who knew that Katherine Bates wrote “America the Beautiful!”
Jen P
Who sang the song “Home?” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!